Her perfume smells like rain and smoke
The simile in this passage suggests that Ava's perfume smells like rain and smoke, which is a rather unique combination. Rain is often associated with freshness, renewal, and life, while smoke is associated with danger, destruction, and the unknown. This comparison could be interpreted as a reflection of Ava's character: she is bold and independent, yet also mysterious and unpredictable. It could also be a reflection of her life: she takes risks and enjoys the freedom of living life to the fullest, but there is also an element of danger and uncertainty that comes with it.
Swatting my question away like a fly
The simile is used to describe the Duchess' dismissive attitude toward the narrator's questions. The Duchess is uninterested in the narrator's question and quickly dismisses it. This implies that the Duchess regards the narrator's questions as minor, insignificant, and ultimately unworthy of her attention, much like a fly. It implies that the narrator's question is insignificant as if it were a bothersome insect that can simply be swatted away.
She is icy in her heart
"She is icy in her heart" is a metaphor for someone cold, distant, and emotionally detached. It implies that the person's heart has hardened and become resistant to love and connection, making them appear "icy" on the outside. This metaphor could be applied to someone who has been hurt in the past and has built walls around their heart to protect themselves from future pain. It could also be used to describe someone cold and unfeeling.
The Bunny invitation ticking like a little bomb
The invitation in Smackie's pocket is compared to a ticking bomb in this simile. It implies that the invitation causes Smackie stress and anxiety because she is torn between the desire to go and the need to stay away. The ticking bomb creates a sense of urgency, implying that Smackie must act quickly to avoid a potential disaster.
Hearts like iron on my tongue
The simile refers to how the narrator can sense the hatred in the Bunnies' hearts, "like iron on my tongue". It conveys a sense of bitterness and distaste that the narrator can taste as if the hatred was tangible enough to be tasted. It also suggests that the narrator feels a strong connection to the Bunnies at this moment and can sense their emotions on a deeper level.
